One Way To Avoid Getting Your Car Stolen In Illinois This Winter

If you want to prevent your car from being stolen, then avoid doing this during the winter in Illinois.

Being Extra Careful Can Prevent Crime

My dad grew up in Chicago. Even back in those days, there was a lot of crime. He learned from an early age how to prevent his things from being stolen. He shared that helpful advice with me.

Number One Rule For Avoiding Theft

His number one rule for preventing your stuff from being stolen is locking it up. A criminal is going to avoid any difficult jobs and quickly move on to something easier. For example, if your car door is locked thieves are most likely going to move on to the next because someone else will have their vehicle unlocked.

I know it sounds a little paranoid but trust me, it works. Even if we were home, the door was locked. Our car was always locked, even in our locked garage. While some of our neighbors had issues with crime, we were able to avoid it.

Avoid Doing This With Your Car This Winter In Illinois

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make that ends up getting their car stolen is warming it up in the winter. They will go out and start it up. Then, the owner will go back into their house until the temperature is more comfortable. They will leave it in the driveway running with the keys inside and unlocked. You might as well put up a sign that says "Free Car."

According to patch.com,

About 2 p.m., the woman stopped at the UPS Store, 205 E. Butterfield Road, and went inside, police said, her car was unlocked and running.

 

She came out to find her car missing.

If she would have just locked her car for those couple of minutes, the whole thing could've been avoided.

Learn From Other People's Mistakes

You can prevent crime from happening to you by learning from other people's mistakes. I read about residents in Rockford all the time that leave their cars unlocked and items are stolen. They leave their vehicle unattended while warming it up and then wonder why it's gone.

Remember, simple common sense can keep you from being ripped off. If you don't like going into a cold car during the winter, then invest in a remote start. It's a lot cheaper than a stolen car.